Staff Reports
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking legal action against Oklahoma for making it a crime for illegal immigrants to live in the state. The DOJ filed a lawsuit in federal court in Oklahoma City to challenge a new state law that penalizes residing in Oklahoma without legal immigration status. This move is part of the DOJ’s broader effort to contest similar immigration laws in Texas and Iowa. The newly enacted Oklahoma law could result in up to two years of imprisonment for those living in the state illegally.
DOJ Sues Oklahoma Over Law Imposing Criminal Penalties On Illegal Immigrants https://t.co/w7SdINjYHp
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 22, 2024
This legal action comes as states led by the GOP are increasingly taking steps to enforce immigration laws on their own. The U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Brian M. Boynton, stated that the federal lawsuit aims to uphold constitutional principles and the immigration system established by Congress. The DOJ argues that Oklahoma must adhere to the Constitution and the framework set by Congress for regulating immigration.
Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has defended the state’s law, citing concerns over what he views as inadequate border security measures by the Biden administration. Gov. Stitt believes that states should have the right to protect their citizens and address public crises within their borders. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has pushed back against the DOJ’s claims of federal preemption, asserting the state’s authority to enact laws to manage crises within its borders.
It is essential for states to have the ability to uphold their own immigration laws and protect their residents. The Biden administration’s approach to border security has been criticized for being insufficient, leading states like Oklahoma to take action to fill the gaps. By challenging Oklahoma’s law, the DOJ is infringing on states’ rights to address immigration concerns within their jurisdictions. It is crucial for states to have the autonomy to enact laws that they believe are necessary to maintain public safety and security.
